Report: Steelers RB Najee Harris expected to play TNF vs. Patriots 'barring a setback'

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris is expected to play on Thursday night against the Patriots, barring any setbacks, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Harris had 16 carries for 63 yards in the loss against the Cardinals and has sat out of practice this week due to a knee injury.

“Najee Harris is listed as questionable after not practicing during the short week because of a knee issue but I’m told, barring a setback, that he is expected to play against the Patriots,” Pelissero said on Good Morning Football on Thursday.

“This is not a new injury for Najee Harris, he’s been managing the knee this season. Didn’t feel great coming out of the game. If this were a normal week, he’d practice today. Instead, they expect him to play.”

The 25-year-old back has yet to miss a game in his Steelers career. In 12 games this season, he has rushed for 661 yards on 4.2 yards per carry and four touchdowns. His usage has been dialed back compared to the prior two seasons, which has much to do with the emergence of second-year running back Jaylen Warren. Warren has 102 carries and 601 rushing yards on a league-leading 5.9 yards per carry and three scores.

In addition to Harris, linebacker Elandon Roberts (groin), center Mason Cole (neck) and guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) were all questionable on the Wednesday injury report.

Steelers rule Kenny Pickett out after surgery

Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett underwent successful surgery on his ankle Monday after suffering the injury in the 24-10 Week 13 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals (3-10) Sunday. 

Head coach Mike Tomlin would not say how many games Pickett might miss beyond the game against New England on Thursday. Asked whether there was season-ending concern regarding the injury, Tomlin said, “No.”

Veteran backup Mitch Trubisky will get the start in place of Pickett. Trubisky has started 55 games in his career, five coming last season with the Steelers. He completed 11-of-17 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in relief of Pickett against Arizona.

“Mitch prepares week in and week out like he’s the starter,” offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner said. “You feel perfectly fine with him going in there because he does everything he needs to do to be duly prepared for the opponent we have. From that standpoint, we don’t have any anxiety about him going in there and being able to produce.

“The one thing I’ve noticed about Mitch is he hasn’t flinched at all. Like going back to last year, he comes in every day, has his hard hat on to go to work. That makes you feel good as a coach because you know he’s preparing himself the proper way. I don’t think anything’s changed from when he’s been a starter.”

The final list of inactives for both teams will come out roughly an hour and a half before the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff on Thursday night.